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Justin Wren

Growing up, Justin Wren was a huge fan of the UFC®. His fascination grew into a passion, which turned into his career. From sneaking UFC® tapes into his house as a child, to now being on “The Ultimate Fighter,” Wren is living the life he always dreamed of.

Born and raised in Fort Worth, TX, Wren attended Dallas Bishop Lynch High School, where he was named a two-time National Champion wrestler. With two Olympic gold medal winners as coaches, Wren had superb mentors to hone his wrestling prowess. During his last year at Dallas Bishop Lynch, he spent time training at the Olympic Training Center. He attended Iowa State University and joined the wrestling team, but spent his freshman year as a medical red shirt following elbow surgery. During his recovery time, he worked on his mixed martial arts skills and realized the time was now to turn pro. Even though Iowa State offered him a full scholarship, he turned it down in order to pursue his professional career in mixed martial arts.

Currently he is training in Fort Worth with “The Ultimate Fighter 4” champ Travis Lutter, and plans to move to Las Vegas to train full time with Frank Mir and Mir Striking Unlimited.

Training: I work out 2 to 3 times a day at Grudge Training Center, Easton BJJ and with Loren Landow for Strength and Conditioning at Steadman Hawkins in Denver, Colorado.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started fighting professionally at age 19; I was a huge fan of the UFC since I was 13. I would save up my allowance and sneak off and buy the VHS tapes and hide them from my parents under my mattress. I grew up wanting to be a UFC fighter more than anything... I am just fortunate enough that my dream is coming true.

What ranks and titles have you held? 2x High School National Champion in Folkstyle and Greco-Roman. Straight out of high school I went to the United States Olympic Education Center as a resident athlete in the Olympic Developmental Program. Currently ranked 4th by USA Grappling.

Do you have any heroes? God, Brad Rehor, and Terri Wren (mom)

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? A dream come true, but I want to be a force and not just a UFC fighter for a short time. Hopefully with being young, I have plenty of time to develop and learn.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Went for two years, and then pursued fighting.

What was your job before you started fighting? Student

Any specific accomplishments in amateur competition? 2X National Champion wrestler in high school, currently ranked 4th by USA Grappling

Getty Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this image or clip. If you violate our intellectual property you may be liable for: actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image or clip, and, where appropriate, the costs of collection and/or statutory damages up to $150,000 (USD).